Colorado made a bold statement to the college football landscape on Saturday, dominating UCF with a 48-21 victory at FBC Mortgage Stadium.
Under the guidance of Deion “Coach Prime” Sanders, the Buffaloes showcased a revitalized running game, an opportunistic defense, and a potent passing attack, earning their third consecutive win to improve to 4-1 overall and 2-0 in Big 12 play. UCF, a two-touchdown favorite entering the game, fell to 3-1 and 1-1 in the conference.
This performance marked one of Colorado’s strongest showings during the Coach Prime era, as they controlled the game in nearly every aspect when it mattered most. The Buffs racked up 407 total yards, including a season-high 128 rushing yards, while quarterback Shedeur Sanders threw for 290 yards and three touchdowns.
The battle in the trenches favored Colorado on both sides of the ball. The offensive line allowed just two sacks and opened up lanes for the running game, while the defensive line stifled UCF’s formidable ground attack, which had been averaging 375 yards per game, limiting them to just 177 yards, most of which came after the game was already in hand.
The Buffs’ defense was also relentless, forcing four turnovers—two interceptions and two fumbles. Notably, Cam’Ron Silmon-Craig returned a fumble 95 yards for a touchdown.
HOW IT HAPPENED: Colorado started strong, entering halftime with a 27-14 lead after a solid showing across all phases of the game.
The Buffs’ first possession ended in an interception by Shedeur Sanders, allowing UCF to take over at the Colorado 31-yard line. However, the Buffs’ defense stepped up, with cornerback Preston Hodge intercepting a potential scoring pass in the end zone. Seizing their second chance, Colorado orchestrated an 11-play, 80-yard drive, featuring a blend of runs and passes. Dallan Hayden contributed with key carries, and Sanders capped the drive with a 23-yard touchdown pass to Travis Hunter.
UCF quickly responded with a 75-yard touchdown pass from KJ Jefferson to RJ Harvey, leveling the score at 7-7. But Colorado countered effectively, moving 75 yards in eight plays, culminating in a 47-yard touchdown pass from Sanders to Will Sheppard to regain a 14-7 lead.
After forcing a three-and-out, the Buffs pushed their advantage to 21-7 with a 14-yard touchdown run by Hayden. UCF narrowed the gap with an 8-yard scoring run from Jefferson, making it 21-14, but Colorado answered with a field goal and a final push just before halftime. Alejandro Mata connected on a 46-yard field goal as time expired, extending the lead to 27-14.
In the third quarter, Colorado continued to assert dominance. The Buffs’ defense thwarted UCF’s efforts, and after a missed 55-yard field goal attempt, Colorado scored again with a 1-yard touchdown run from Micah Welch, pushing the score to 34-14.
A brief resurgence from UCF, highlighted by a 92-yard drive ending in a 15-yard touchdown pass from Jefferson to Xavier Townsend, cut the lead to 34-21. However, Colorado quickly responded, moving 65 yards downfield for another touchdown—this time a 10-yard pitch from Sanders to LaJohntay Wester, extending the lead to 41-21.
The Buffs continued their defensive prowess, forcing and recovering a fumble on UCF’s next drive. UCF threatened to close the gap again, reaching a first-and-goal situation at the CU 2-yard line, but the Buffs’ defense held firm, stopping the Knights just short on fourth down.
To seal the win, Silmon-Craig picked up a loose ball and raced 95 yards for a touchdown, finalizing the score at 48-21.
NEXT UP: The Buffaloes will enjoy a bye week before returning to action on October 12 for a home game against Kansas State.
